Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Polygoni Chinensis Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 火炭母 · Huo Tan Mu |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Polygonum chinense L. (Polygonaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sour, Astringent; Cool |
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| Channels Entered | Lung, Liver, Spleen |
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What Is Huo Tan Mu?
Huo Tan Mu (Chinese Knotweed Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Taiwan, Yunnan, Sichuan.
Nature & Flavour: Sour, Astringent; Cool
Channels Entered: Lung, Liver, Spleen
Huo Tan Mu: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Polygoni Chinensis Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Polygonum chinense L. (Polygonaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Taiwan, Yunnan, Sichuan.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is greenish, leafy, with dark markings.
Macroscopic Features
Stem is cylindrical, twisted, 30~100cm long; externally reddish-brown or yellowish-green, with nodes and sheath. Leaves are alternate, often shrunken; leaf blade is ovate or oblong, 5~10cm long, dark green, often with dark V-shaped markings. Spikes are terminal. Faint odor, taste sour and astringent.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sour, Astringent; CoolLungLiverSpleen
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and drains dampness, cools blood and resolves toxin, calms liver and brightens eyes.
How Huo Tan Mu Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Huo Tan Mu is classified among the Heat-clearing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
